I am currently a graduate student working on a project for D3 XC/Track recruiting study for one of my classes - any input would be really helpful. I need input from everyone involved in the college recruiting process - HS coaches, HS athletes, college coaches, etc.
For smaller D3 programs, what is the most effective way of recruiting runners for XC?
Some people say "letters to athletes sent to their HS coaches"
(ie: Joe Runner, c/o XC coach, Everytown HS, Everytown, ST)
Some people say "letters to athletes sent to their home" (assuming you can get their address)
Some people say "call HS coaches and ask 'do you have any runners who might be interested in attending our Small Private College'
Some people say "call runners at their home to talk to them"
Some people say "go to HS invitationals, Regional champs, and even dual meets wearing Small Private College XC jacket and talk to runners"
So, what I want to know from you is:
HS coaches - what works best for you? are letters getting circular filed or do you give them to your runners? Do you/will you give out home contact info (address and/or phone) to College coaches if they bother you?
HS athletes - what would you prefer?
College coaches - what works best?
These are my experiences:
As a HS athlete, I hated getting phone calls because personally I do not enjoy talking to strangers on the phone, and I was getting calls from schools that I was flat out not interested in due to not offering my academic major, too far away, too expensive, etc.
As a high school coach, I often forgot to give out letters to athletes - after a full day of teaching HS and then practice after school, mail was not on my priority list; when I finally did hand them to the kids, they often trashed them immediately.
What say you?